Category: Science

Science, STEM, Uncategorized

Cece Loves Science and Adventure by Kimberly Derting & Shelli R. Johannes

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Back of Book:
Cece loves being an Adventure Girl almost as much as she loves science, which is why she can’t wait for her troop’s camping trip. Nature is full of science for Cece to explore!
Along with her friends, her mom, and her dog, Einstein, Cece learns how to pitch a tent, set up a campsite, and document landmarks on the trail. Then thunder booms in the distance! Working together, the girls use meteorology and math to determine the location of the storm; engineering to build a shelter, and technology and math to calculate the length of the trek back to the campsite. After all that teamwork, Cece’s mom gives them an Adventure Girl surprise!
My Review:
I received a copy of this picture book from Greenwillow books publishing in exchange for an honest review.
I was thrilled when I found out that Cece was going to be in another story. I loved the balance of science and fun that the first story had.
This is a fantastic continuation story about Cece. It follows her and her friends as they travel to the woods for a camping adventure. The story teaches readers about several outdoor scientific things such as the different types of clouds, and how to navigate without a map. The end of the story shows the importance of teamwork and friendship. The illustrations by Vashti Harrison are bright and detailed. I love the scientific details l that she placed in each illustration. The back of the book has a glossary of Cece’s scientific facts and illustrations. This is a terrific diverse picture book that showcases girls learning and enjoying science.
Ages 5 and up
40 Pages

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Science, Space

Moon’s First Friend Susanna Leonard Hill

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Back of Book:
From high up in the sky, the Moon has spent her whole life watching Earth and hoping for someone to visit. Dinosaurs roam, pyramids are built, and boats are made, but still, no one comes. Will friends ever come to visit her?
Commemorate the extraordinary Apollo 11 spaceflight mission with this heartwarming story of the Moon who just wants a friend.
My Review:
I received a copy of this picture book from Source Books Publishing in exchange for an honest review.
This book is out just in time for the Apollo 11 moon landing and is a perfect addition to any space unit.
I love that this picture book is unique in that it is written from the perspective of the moon. The moon is the queen of the night sky, but it doesn’t stop her from being extremely lonely. She looks down on earth and wishes that someone would come and visit her. The book goes through a progression of time that showcases popular periods and eras. Finally, man makes it to the moon. This story is the perfect blend of history and fun. It teaches readers about the moon landing in a whimsical and engaging way. The illustrations by Elisa Paganelli are bright and cheerful. They perfectly capture the friendly moon. The back of the book is filled with interesting facts about the moon, the Apollo 11 Voyage, and the rocket that took them there. The book also includes a QR code that can be scanned so readers can hear Neil Armstrong’s voice.
This is a great story and one that will be enjoyed over and over again.
Ages 5 and up
40 Pages

Biography, Science, Space

The Astronaut Who Painted the Moon: The True Story of Alan Bean By Dean Robbins

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Back of Book:
As a boy, Alan wanted to fly planes. As a young Navy pilot, Alan wished he could paint the view from the cockpit. So he took an art class to learn patterns and forms. But no class could prepare him for the beauty of the lunar surface some 240,000 miles from Earth. In 1969, Alan became the fourth man and first artist on the moon. He took dozens of pictures, but none compared to what he saw through his artistic eyes. When he returned to Earth, he began to paint what he saw. Alan’s paintings allowed humanity to experience what it truly felt like to walk on the moon.
My Review:
I was sent this picture book from Orchard Publishing in exchange for an honest review.
This picture book is out just in time to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Appolo moon mission. It focuses on the life of Alan Bean who was the fourth man to walk on the moon.
The story follows Alan from his job as a Navy pilot to his journey into space. Along the way, Alan began to dabble with paint and color. His dream was to capture the moon landing in all its glory. He wanted others to see the beauty the way he saw it. He tried to capture the colors so that others could experience it the way he had. The more he painted, the brighter the colors became. A museum displayed his paintings for everyone to see. I love the way author Dean Robbins captures the passion and determination of Alan Bean. The narrative is informational and engaging. It opens readers eyes to the history of the moon landing while incorporating stunning art. The illustrations by Sean Rubin are detailed and bright. I love the combination of real photos and illustrations. It allows readers to see both perspectives of the moon. The back of the book has a detailed note from the author about the life of Alan Beat. It also has a timeline and photos from the moon landing. This is a perfect nonfiction addition for any space or STEM unit.

Ages 6 and up
40 Pages

Science, Space

Nova the Star Eater by Lindsay Leslie

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Back of Book:
Nova has a big appetite for stars, so when she decides to gobble up Earth’s Sun, panic erupts around the globe. Earth needs its Sun to survive! How will it get it back from Nova? One bright little girl just might have a solution.
My Review:
I received a copy of this picture book from Page Street Kids in exchange for an honest review.
I have enjoyed the variety of kidlit books that have come out this year to celebrate the moon landing and all things space related. Nova the Star Eater is unique to this list in that it looks at what would happen to the Earth if the sun disappeared.
Nova the star-eater is busy zooming around space gobbling everything tasty in its path. Suddenly, she swallows the sun and chaos erupts. It takes a children’s perspective to save the world and return the sun to its place in the sky. I love that this story combines fun and humorous concept with true information about all things space related. I also love the message that children often have the best ideas. The illustrations by John Taesoo Kim are bright and lifelike. The back of the book has more information about the sun as well as a glossary of the scientific words used throughout the text. This book is an excellent addition to any space unit!
Ages 5 and up
32 pages

Biography, Science, Space

The Girl Who Named Pluto: The Story of Venetia Burney By Alice B. McGinty

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Back of Book:
When Venetia Burney’s grandfather reads aloud from the newspaper about a new discovery–a “ninth major planet” that has yet to be named–her eleven-year-old mind starts whirring. She is studying the planets in school and loves Roman mythology. “It might be called Pluto,” she says, thinking of the dark underworld. Grandfather loves the idea and contacts his friend at London’s Royal Astronomical Society, who writes to scientists at the Lowell Observatory in Massachusetts, where Pluto was discovered. After a vote, the scientists agree unanimously: Pluto is the perfect name for the dark, cold planet.
My Review:
I received a copy of this picture book from Schwartz & Wade Publishing in exchange for an honest review.
I have always been intrigued by the planet, Pluto and was so excited that a book had been written about the young girl who named the far away planet. The story begins with Venetia going on a star walk with her class. Even as a young girl, Venetia was fascinated by the concepts of space and planets. When she heard from her grandfather that a newly discovered planet needed a name she looked into history for inspiration. Venetia would go on to become a math teacher and inspire young girls to dream big. Near the end of her life, Venetia would be able to view the planet through a telescope that she had named. The illustrations by Elizabeth Haidle are skillfully created. The expressions on Venetia’s face as she is waiting to hear if they like her name choice are my favorite!
The back of the book has more information about Venetia and the planet Pluto. This is a brilliant nonfiction biography that focuses on the importance of women in the world of math and science. A great book for any STEM unit.
Ages 5 and up
40 Pages

Science, Space

If You Had Your Birthday Party on the Moon by Joyce Lapin

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Back of Book:
Have your birthday party on the moon and everyone will come! After all, who wouldn’t want to ride in a rocket and celebrate for a day that lasts as long as a month on Earth? Then, young partygoers could romp in a low-gravity playground; watch candles and balloons behave weirdly in the Moon’s atmosphere; and see why the “moon angels” they make in the thick carpet of lunar dust will last for thousands of years. With each discovery, kids learn the science behind the surprise, explained in terms they’ll understand.

My Review:

I received a copy of this picture book from Sterling Book Publishing in exchange for an honest review.
I am so excited that the kidlit world is publishing so many well-written books about the moon. “If you Had Your Birthday Party on the Moon” is a perfect blend of nonfiction information and fun imagination.
Readers get a glimpse into what it would be like to spend time in space. Joyce Lapin weaved in all of the birthday activities that children love to do. Including bouncing, playing games, and exploring. Readers will relate to the experiences that the children in the story are having. I loved that there are text boxes scattered throughout the story that have neat scientific facts and tidbits about the moon. It gives readers a deeper understanding of the unique aspects that make the moon so fascinating.
The illustrations by Simona Ceccarelli are filled with bright images that allow readers to feel like they are in space with the children in the story. The back of the book has a terrific glossary as well as suggestions for further reading. I loved sharing this book in my classroom. It was a perfect read aloud for my science unit. I also used the topic for a writing workshop afterward. I highly recommend this story for the classroom and school libraries.
Ages 5 and up
40 Pages

Science, Space

If You Had Your Birthday Party on the Moon By Joyce Lapin

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Back of Book:
Have your birthday party on the moon and everyone will come! After all, who wouldn’t want to ride in a rocket and celebrate for a day that lasts as long as a month on Earth? Then, young partygoers could romp in a low-gravity playground; watch candles and balloons behave weirdly in the Moon’s atmosphere; and see why the “moon angels” they make in the thick carpet of lunar dust will last for thousands of years. With each discovery, kids learn the science behind the surprise, explained in terms they’ll understand.

My Review:

I received a copy of this picture book from Sterling Book Publishing in exchange for an honest review.
I am so excited that the kidlit world is publishing so many well-written books about the moon. “If you Had Your Birthday Party on the Moon” is a perfect blend of nonfiction information and fun imagination.
Readers get a glimpse into what it would be like to spend time in space. Joyce Lapin weaved in all of the birthday activities that children love to do. Including bouncing, playing games, and exploring. Readers will relate to the experiences that the children in the story are having. I loved that there are text boxes scattered throughout the story that have neat scientific facts and tidbits about the moon. It gives readers a deeper understanding of the unique aspects that make the moon so fascinating.
The illustrations by Simona Ceccarelli are filled with bright images that allow readers to feel like they are in space with the children in the story. The back of the book has a terrific glossary as well as suggestions for further reading. I loved sharing this book in my classroom. It was a perfect read aloud for my science unit. I also used the topic for a writing workshop afterward. I highly recommend this story for the classroom and school libraries.
Ages 5 and up
40 Pages

math, National Womens Month, Science, STEM

The Girl With a Mind for Math: The Story of Raye Montague

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Back of Book:
After touring a German submarine in the early 1940s, young Raye set her sights on becoming an engineer. Little did she know sexism and racial inequality would challenge that dream every step of the way, even keeping her greatest career accomplishment a secret for decades. Through it all, the gifted mathematician persisted―finally gaining her well-deserved title in history: a pioneer who changed the course of ship design forever.
My Review:
Anytime I pick up a book by Julia Finley Mosca I know that I am going to learn about an important piece history. I love that Julia has a passion to share great female scientists with a new generation of readers. Raye Montague was a true pioneer in the field of submarines. She never let what others thought or said affect her work or her determination to do her best.

The rhyming scheme of the text is honest and powerful! The illustrations are detailed and allow readers to see blueprints of the submarines. They tie the story together beautifully.
The back of the book has fantastic information about Raye. Including facts and tidbits from the authors chat with Raye, a detailed timeline, color photos, and more information about Rayes amazing accomplishments.
This is an excellent book to incorporate into any STEM or STEAM unit. I look forward to seeing what else Julia in mind for her readers.
Ages 5 and up
40 Pages

Biography, Science, STEM

Secret Engineer: How Emily Roebling Built the Brooklyn Bridge Rachel Dougherty

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Back of Book:
It was the first trip across an engineering marvel that had taken nearly fourteen years to construct. The woman’s husband was the chief engineer, and he knew all about the dangerous new technique involved. The woman insisted she learns as well.
When he fell ill mid-construction, her knowledge came in handy. She supervised every aspect of the project while he was bedridden, and she continued to learn about things only men were supposed to know:
math, science, engineering.
Women weren’t supposed to be engineers.
But this woman insisted she could do it all, and her hard work helped to create one of the most iconic landmarks in the world.
My Review:
I received a copy of this picture book from author Rachel Dougherty in exchange for an honest review.
I was so excited when I saw that this book was being published. I was unfamiliar with the story that the Brooklyn Bridge was finished by a woman. I loved that Rachel described the many steps of building the bridge. I was fascinated to learn the process of how they built The Brooklyn Bridge. The story begins with Emily’s childhood and shows readers how her love for learning math and science allowed her to play such an important part in history. The text explains how unknown to everyone, Emily took over the building of the bridge. She was never given the recognition she deserved. This amazing book shows readers how strong and courageous women can be. The illustrations are detailed and show readers close up examples of the building of the bridge. The back of the book has more information about Emily Roebling as well as a glossary and pictures of the completed Brooklyn Bridge. This is an amazing story to add to any STEM or National Women’s unit. A must-have for elementary and school libraries.
Ages 6 and up
40 Pages

Biography, Science, Space

Starstruck: The Cosmic Journey of Neil deGrasse Tyson by Kathleen Krull & Paul Brewer

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Young Neil deGrasse Tyson was starstruck when he first visited the sky theater at the Hayden Planetarium in New York City. He couldn’t believe the crowded, glittering night sky at the planetarium was real–until a visit to the country years later revealed the impossible.

That discovery was like rocket fuel for Neil’s passion for space. His quest for knowledge took him from the roof of his apartment building to a scientific expedition in northwest Africa, to a summer astronomy camp beneath a desert sky, and finally back home to become the director of the Hayden Planetarium, where it all began. Before long, Neil became America’s favorite guide to the cosmos.
My Review:
I received a copy of this book from author Kathleen Krull in exchange for an honest review.
Before reading this story I had never heard of Neil DeGrasse Tyson. I was thrilled to read such a well-researched biography about a man who has spent his life learning about the stars and planets. The story begins with Neils childhood and continues throughout his entire career. I loved learning about his passion and excitement for all things science related! No matter what obstacles Neil encountered he met them head-on. He grew up to be a world-renowned speaker and researcher. I loved finding out that he was the scientist who realized that Pluto was not a planet. The illustrations in this book are beautiful. I enjoyed reading the authors note at the back of the book. A perfect addition to any science or space unit. Neil truly is a man who made the world think differently about stars.
Ages 5 and up
48 Pages